Professional Animal Retirement Center

Mission:
We exist to give rescued and retired animals a safe haven and to educate people to positively impact the conservation and preservation of exotic and endangered species and encourage responsible pet ownership. Results:
Approximately 15,000 people tour the sanctuary annually to observe and learn about more than 45 exotic and endangered former “pets” and retired performers, issues related to the exotic pet trade, and conservation of endangered species and habitats. Target demographics:
Children ages 4-17, adults, students Direct beneficiaries per year:
5-12 animals are adopted each year Geographic areas served:
Indiana, midwest Programs:
Sanctuary tours
Camps for kids ages 3-12
Field trips
Web resources

This place is scamming the public for tens of thousands of dollars to rescue animals from who? Private owners,
Think about this for one minute please, are they not a private owner who started out with one cat and found that being non profit is a way for you to fund their hobby? And they want to take your pets away but they can keep theirs.

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Black Pine has nothing to hide and shares the history of our founders publicly. Once private owners, our founders chose a different and more noble path than to continue supporting the production of more captive exotic "pets". One founder parted ways with this organization in 2004 and has no further involvement. The other founder has remained on the board of directors, intimately involved with the evolution of the organization, and has drawn not one dime of income from it since 2002. Black Pine's 2014 budget is under $220,000, with a paid staff budget of $81,000. A BBB Accredited Charity, and a Trusted Partner in the Guidestar exchange, financial records are published and available upon request. Any and all questions are welcomed! And, for the record, we don't aim to take anyone's pets away. In fact, we don't buy, sell, breed, trade or seek out animals. We support common sense regulations that protect the welfare of animals and public safety.

I have been to Black Pine many times, taking my camera with me. Every time I share my pictures, more and more of my friends become enamored with Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.
This year, my sister and I took my daughter, my grandson and his friend to this wonderful place. I was a little worried that the boys (ages 13 and 12) would be bored, but the were not! We went for a general visit and they both want to go back for a tour so they can learn more about the beautiful animals that call Black Pine their forever home. None of these animals came from very good places in their past and it is just a joy to see them relaxed and contented in a sanctuary that caters to their needs, not to the public's needs.
During this summer break from school, my sister plans to take my other grandchildren during the week for a tour. I would like my son and his wife to also be able to go. My son loves wolves and Black Pine has a wonderful pack.
If you are in the Northern Indiana area, it is worth a trip to see the magnificent animals that live their lives here, in safety and grace

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

This will be out 3rd year visiting this great place. My grandson knew a lot of the animals names at 3 yrs old. It's much more up close and personal than a regular zoo. The staff is great. We love visiting every year. It's our "birthday trip" this yr. What a great service all of you provide.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

today was the first time there . we took r granddaughter . the staff was so helpful , my heart was heavy when we left . how sad that animals never new that mankind could love them see the beauty in them . my granddaughter said granny there home now and they have the staff to love them along with all the people that take time to come see them

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Hi Marti G. Thanks very much for taking time to share your experience and your kind words. You mentioned that you'd like to see a fund raiser, so we wanted you to know we have several annual events that help us fund our mission. You can find them at this link:
http://blackpine.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=166&Itemid=233
Or call us any time for details at 260-636-7383. Thanks!

I have followed the awesome work of the staff and volunteers at BPAS for the last several years. First learning about it when Lori Gagen accepted her job there and being curious about what had taken her from her current job and her passion about the animals. Being an animal lover myself and a lifelong cat owner, it was only natural I would follow the BPAS story.

Not being able to visit BPAS since I am home bound at this time, I have so enjoyed the fantastic way the public is kept updated with social media. From the move to the addition of animals, building of new habitats, various illnesses, some deaths, more animals, special programs, tours and so much more. The public is part of BPAS story, the community is involved, even though I am not there, the names the organizations frequently are local, the vet, the construction crews, the winery for the night fund raiser. It is a passion for all, to give the animals the best forever home they can. The friends I have sent rave about the facility, and the fantastic experience their children had.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Although I am home bound I have followed the great work that BPAS is doing for animals on FB. Their exceptional care and support for their animals is evident in how the facility has grown and expanded to meet the needs of the animals that come to them. Whether it is a black bear coming from a concrete slab corn crib to a habitat where she can run and play and sleep in comfort on her own hammock or a pack of wolves reunited in their own habitat, or lions and tigers. It is amazing to watch, the community involvement, the volunteers hours, the staff creative innovations to raise awareness not only of BPAS needs but also the universal needs of the exotic animal trade, raising our awareness of abuse and need for legislation to be passed. With the use of social media and videos, we are kept very involved in their cause, forever homes for animals.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I am a Homebound person who has knowledge of Black Pine only through the Internet and knowing Lori from outside contact. When she went to BPAS I became interested because I love cats, and have had one all my adult life as a pet. I have learned so much about "exotic pets" through Lori's postings and the BPAS's website and activity on Facebook. I then pass it on and share wtih my network as well. Lori and BPAS are truly making a difference in our neck of the woods!!!

I have been enjoying Black Pine for many, many years. Each year they amaze me with their growth and improvements to the Sanctuary. As long as it is necessary they will be there lovingly caring for and protecting those animals that for some reason became unloved and unwanted by their original family. Lori and everyone at Black Pine pour their heart and soul into each and every animal each and every day. It was a very rough winter and yet all the volunteers and staff kept their focus and love on each precious being in their care. I praise the staff and volunteers so much for all they do. We donate supplies when we can and will continue to do so as long as they are needed. Please know that this wonderful place deserves all the help and support it can get. Thank you, Mary Jo Schaaf.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

We went to Black Pines animal sanctuary a few years ago with our children. It is a fantastic place to visit, the animals are very well taken care of. The staff is very knowledgeable of the animals and truly care about all of them. I would highly recommend a visit! We can't wait to return and see the animals.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Just visited and took the tour of The Black Pine Animal Sanctuary last week. My daughter had always wanted to visit and made donations to them so off we went. What a positive and enlightening experience. We were so impressed. First class operation. The animals are well taken care of and just beautiful. I was very surprised as to how many years the parrots had lived there and how some animals came to live there. I only live about 15 miles from there and it sure is one of our community's best kept secrets. The staff and workers who were interning there were very knowledgeble about all the animals. A must go. You get to se the animals up close and personal. They are so happy there.. Thank you to the sanctuary for caring for them.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Our son moved to Fort Wayne which is about 1/2 hour from Albion. We found out about the sanctuary through a brochure he received. The first time we visited we wanted to go to the sanctuary. We weren't going to take the guided tour even though it is suggested. When we got there we decided to take tour and were very glad we did. We learned more from our guide in that visit than we would have in 25 trips to a zoo. The knowledge they have of their animals is amazing and the love they have for the animals is evident every step of the tour. Everyone there was friendly and knowledgeable We can't wait until we can visit again, this is definitely going to be a regular stop for us and our son liked it so much he got the year long admission deal.